Review: Logitech Washable Keyboard

The Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 is the first time a mainstream peripheral manufacturer enters this niche that makes so much sense yet barely sees any competition. Most manufacturers for such keyboards are focused on the medical sector and this includes WetKeys. Keyboards under such specialized categories are very expensive.

The keyboard and mouse are the primary modes of interaction between you and the computer. It is well known that keyboards are often found to contain more bacteria than toilet seats because cleaning a keyboard can be difficult and time consuming. We eat at our desk, sneeze at our keys and the occasional salivary downpour happens during voice calls. You get the picture. Logitech attempts to bring in a consumer end keyboard that offers washability and a relatively low price tag of S$59.00.

The Keyboard

With a standard key layout that is USB driven, the K310 sports white keys on a dark board. It is good looking and the keyboard feels flat with membrane keys that are laser etched. The function keys sport standard media control keys. I am not a big fan of such keys but the control keys worked well without requiring additional software.

It is a good looking standard keyboard that is modified to allow users to easily clean it.

I had to nitpick to find weaknesses of the keyboard. The manner in which the keys are attached to the board is slightly different and this can be felt when you are typing. Keys feel a little less sturdy than normal keyboards but the difference is not a deal breaker. The reason for manufacturing the keys with as little contact to the board as possible is to allow running water to easily rinse the board. Also, the keys lack a curved ‘U’ design that some users are used to when it comes to touch typing. Overall, the typing experience was good and not very different from what most users are used to.

There is no software package for this keyboard. Its a good looking standard keyboard that is modified to allow users to easily clean it. The keyboard comes with a 3 year local warranty which is assuring considering that you will be dipping it in water.

Washing

The difference between this and the many cheap keyboards out there is down to the ease of being washed. Unlike standard keyboards that need you to brush every single key individually and shake out the dust from beneath, you can simply run this keyboard under soap water. Dishwashing liquid mixed with water can be used and the keyboard can be soaked no deeper than 30cm. In most cases, soaking the keyboard is rather unnecessary for normal cleaning.

Dishwashing liquid mixed with water can be used and the keyboard can be soaked no deeper than 30cm.

It must be noted that the keys are not removable and reaching the area directly under the key must be done with a fine brush. This should not be necessary unless sweet drinks are spilled and left to dry which will make rinsing ineffective.

The usual precautions apply:

Do not soak the USB cable.

Water used should be at room temperature or colder.

Dish washing liquid should be diluted with water. No strong acids or alkalis should be administered.

The keyboard must be air dried for 8 hours before use.

I’ve tried both soaking and rinsing. Cleaning was easy and the keyboard dried really quickly as well.

Keeping it Clean

This keyboard costs S$59.00 and is a well crafted piece of hardware. Comparative keyboards are around the S$19.90 mark but are not washable. I would recommend the use of the K310 for hygiene reasons since most users stick with the same keyboard for many years.

This is the answer for those with oily and/or sweaty fingers and palms.

The additional S$40.00 spent is well worth it especially if you often snack while using your computer. This is also the answer for those with oily and/or sweaty fingers and palms.

I am surprised that Logitech is the only mainstream provider that has produced a washable keyboard. I hope to see more variants in future including a mechanical option.